Is 35% Window Tint Legal in New Jersey After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No. New Jersey prohibits window tinting below 70% light transmittance for sedans, SUVs, and trucks, making 35% illegal statewide. The Motor Vehicle Commission enforces N.J.S.A. 39:3-75, aligning with federal safety standards. Local municipalities lack authority to override this threshold, and enforcement includes fines up to $200 for violations.

Key Regulations for 35% Window Tint in New Jersey

  • Light transmittance requirement: All passenger vehicles must maintain ≥70% visible light transmittance (VLT) on front side windows, rear side windows, and rear windows. 35% tint fails this standard.
  • Medical exemptions: Only documented medical conditions (e.g., photosensitivity) permit lower VLT, requiring prior MVC approval and a physician’s certification. Exemptions do not apply to commercial vehicles.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Law enforcement may issue citations during roadside inspections or traffic stops. Fines escalate for repeat offenses, and vehicles may fail inspection if tint exceeds limits.

The 2026 NJ MVC inspection manual reaffirms these thresholds, eliminating loopholes for aftermarket tint films. Out-of-state vehicles temporarily registered in NJ must comply immediately. Dealers and installers face liability for non-compliant installations, as per N.J.A.C. 13:21-15.2.